Prince William and Kate Middleton Upset As Top Bodyguard Quits his Royal role

Prince William and Kate Middleton are said to be dismayed by their chief bodyguard's decision to give up his Royal role in favour of a job at a top hospital.

Chief Inspector John Hourihan is understood to have stepped down after five-years of service in favour of a new role as chief of security at Broadmoor Psychiatric Hospital – home of the notorious Yorkshire Ripper, Peter Sutcliffe.

The couple's head of security – who started working for the Royal Family in 2008 – has been by their side at numerous high-profile events, including last year's visit to the Far East.

“John is a very respected police officer with the Royalty and Diplomatic Protection Department who has served Scotland Yard and the Royal family with distinction,” a source told The Mirror.

“During his career with S014 he worked as the Personal Protection Officer for the Earl and Countess of Wessex and latterly heading for security for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

Prince William and Kate Middleton Upset As Top Bodyguard Quits his Royal role

Upset: William and Kate are sad to see their head of security go (WENN)

“He was brought in to use his wealth of experience to establish the security team surrounding the Duchess after her engagement to Prince William was announced, and has travelled with them extensively.

“But after serving as a Scotland Yard officer for 30-years he has decided to move on and try something new. He was snapped up by a private company as a consultant and is now assisting the company's security operations at Broadmoor Hospital.”

A Royal insider has since admitted that William and Kate are saddened by the news of his departure, but wish him all the best in his new role.

“John was a fabulous guy who was always there where they needed him,” said the source. “Calm, astute and experienced, he was a top man.

“They will miss him but wish him well in the future.”

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